Voice and Influence (Strategic and CYP engagement, representation and influence)

This work stream will identify the needs and views of VCS CYP organisations and of the young people who use their services.  Encourage and support the engagement of representatives of VCS CYP organisations in influencing processes and decisions regarding policy, planning and funding, whilst encouraging and supporting young people's participation through structures and opportunities which enable them to influence the design and delivery of services and other issues.

The contracting agency for this work stream is:

Midlands Youth in Partnership with Playtrain

Jubilee House
Westlea Road
Leamington Spa
CV31 3JE

01926 450156

Project Manager: Cath Errington

Overall Outcome:

By 2012, 20% of VCS CYP infrastructure organisations will report greater influence on policy and practice by their member organisations and young people, through improved infrastructure skills, knowledge and systems as well as outreach engagement of hard to reach and underrepresented groups to participate more fully.

Delivery Phases

Phase 1         June 2010 - Sept 2010      £12550

Phase 2         Oct 2010 - June 2011        £14450

Phase 3         July 2011 - July 2012         £11900

Milestones: 

Phase 1

1. Regional VCS CYP organisations and other stakeholders will have been audited and have access, and be working to the regional action plan used to improve strategic engagement and representation.
2. Standards for young people's participation will be mapped and shared and 30% of infrastructure organisations will have identified participation champions who will report engaging children and young people in the Regional Participation Network activities and opportunities.

Phase 2 

1. A regional mechanism will have been developed to include the facilitation of VCS CYP infrastructure organisations in the ‘democratic' involvement of the sector in decision making and strategy including new connections with identified hard to reach and underrepresented groups.
2. Infrastructure organisations will improve their ability to facilitate CYP participation.
3. CYP from a broad range of backgrounds will be able to access and influence wider democratic systems.

Phase 3

1. Sustainable mechanisms for organisational engagement and influence will be established with 20 % of infrastructure organisations involved and reporting benefits.
2. Sustainable mechanisms for children and young people's engagement and influence will be established with 20% of infrastructure organisations reporting benefits.